By Scott Carlson-NP Post
As someone who grew up around the North Platte skate scene, a long time ago, I can tell you that "skaters" have played an integral part in the North Platte community for decades.
Whether it was organizing a skate competition that drew hundreds of people from surrounding states in the old Osco Drug at what was then simply known as The Mall, or gathering at the infamous half-pipe at 4th and Lincoln, the skaters of my youth made a difference in North Platte.
Granted, many residents scoffed at them or yelled at them for trying to skate Downtown or in the old pit at Adams. And this trend continues. But for those of us that lived in that life, we know they were simply looking for a place to perfect their rail slides and Ollies.
Many people see skateboarders and immediately think "trouble" or "druggie." But the truth is, that deck with four little wheels may be the only thing that's keeping them out of trouble or off of drugs. Skaters are a community. And, as North Platte skaters have proven, it's something you can do into adulthood.
For years, the skater community lobbied for a skatepark, and that finally happened. But now that skate park is outdated and in some cases dangerous and needs to be replaced. The problem, as always, is the money.
However, in true skater fashion, the skateboarding community in North Platte is taking it upon themselves to raise the funds for a new, state-0f-the-art skate park.
Organizers say the need for a new skate park exists not only because of the condition of the current skate park but also because the skate scene in North Platte is growing.
The group needs to raise around $135,000 to $200,000, which will fund a full concrete skate park, void of sheet metal that can become hot, sharp, and all-around dangerous.
To design the park, organizers will consult Los Angeles-based Spohn Ranch Skateparks, an award-winning skate park design firm. Spohn Ranch will help with both the design and the construction of the new park.
The group has placed donation containers as several North Platte businesses, including:
-The Parlor Tattoo Shop, 203 N. Jeffers Street.
-Alive Outside, 601 S. Jeffers Street.
-The Thrift Connection, 422 E. Sixth Street.
-The Espresso Shop, 419 N. Dewey.
-Inksclusive Tattoo Shop, 522 N. Poplar
In addition to collecting donations, the group plans to hold skate contests, raffles, a build a brick sale where businesses and individuals will be able to purchase a brick with their name on it that will be included in the new skate park and other events.
You can also make a donation through the Mid-Nebraska Community Foundation North Platte Skate Park FundLink to donate page: https://
You can find more information on the group's website or their Facebook page.